Regulations around plastic use in South Africa have tightened significantly in recent years, thanks to an ever-growing concern for the environment.
For plastic raw material manufacturers like IPC, this shift has changed how compounds are formulated, what materials are acceptable, and how the industry as a whole operates.
From extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes to voluntary frameworks like the SA Plastics Pact, the pressure to create sustainable, compliant materials is growing.
Understanding the regulatory landscape is now a key part of staying competitive and serving downstream manufacturers effectively.
SA Plastics Pact
Launched in 2020, the SA Plastics Pact is part of a global network tackling plastic waste. Its targets are ambitious. For example, it aims to make 100% of plastic packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025, and ensure 30% average recycled content in new packaging.
To most consumers, this sounds like progress. But for raw material producers, it means reevaluating product lines, sourcing new additives, investing in research and development, and proving recyclability on paper and in practice.
Although the Pact isn’t legally binding, it sets the tone and is often seen as a benchmark against which to measure future regulation and procurement criteria.
Under the Pact’s influence, materials that were standard for decades are now being questioned, while others are being phased out altogether. This has a direct influence on what manufacturers like IPC can develop and supply.
EPR Schemes
EPR was formally legislated in South Africa in 2021 under the National Environmental Management Waste Act.
The EPR laws require producers, including brand owners, importers, and retailers, to take full responsibility for the lifecycle of their packaging. Although the PER regulations primarily target the brands, manufacturers aren’t off the hook.
The result of these laws is that clients now demand raw materials that meet specific recovery and recyclability criteria.
As such, PVC compounds, like those developed by IPC, must be engineered with sustainability and EPR compliance in mind. Manufacturers need to understand recyclability frameworks, provide traceability, and even help clients report on material performance.
Compliance with EPR helps manufacturers remain free from penalties and relevant in a competitive market. And as the rules evolve, so must the industry that feeds the entire plastics value chain.
IPC is one of the leading plastic raw material manufacturers in South Africa, supplying PVC compounds that meet evolving regulations. Contact us today to discuss your needs and how we can help.
